Governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, Northern State University offers 38 majors, 42 minors, 6 associate, 8 pre-professional, and 9 graduate degrees in various fields. The University currently enrols 3,008 undergraduate students. To give their students a real-world experience, it provides internships and several career opportunities. The admission process to the university is less selective with an acceptance rate of 85%.

As a recognized university, it follows a semester based calendar and accepts international admissions around the year. Applicants are required to submit additional documents such as ELP scores and official transcripts to get enrolled for the programs of Northern State University. The application fees for UG and PG programs are 20 and 35 USD, respectively. The process of applying to the university is entirely online where the student has to create an account and upload necessary admission documents.

Highlights

Founded 1901
School Type Public, Co-ed
Academic Calendar Semester-based
Enrolled Students 3,427 (UG-3,008 students & Graduate- 419 Students)
Student: Faculty Ratio 19:1
Admission deadline Rolling
Application Fees UG and other courses: USD 20 Graduate: USD 35
Application Mode Online
ELP IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Northern State University Admission Deadlines 

The university offers admission on a rolling basis throughout the year with a cutoff provided for intake semesters of fall, spring, and summer. The seats are allotted on the basis of availability. If seats are full in one semester the applicant may be offered a seat in the next semester as the first come first serve principle is followed.

The aspiring students may contact the admission helpdesk at 605-626-2544 or write to them on email at admissions@northern.edu in case of any query or details required.

Northern State University International Students Admission

The university offers over 100 courses for international students aspiring to study in the USA. The procedure for seeking admission is clearly laid down and the applicants are advised to go through the same carefully.

  • Application Portal: Online
  • Application Fee: 20 USD for Undergraduates and 35 USD for Graduates

Documents Required 

  • Official Transcripts in English
  • Scores of SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE
  • Score of English Proficiency test
  • Statement of purpose
  • Passport ID pages
  • Evidence of enough funds for one year
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Any other documents required

English Proficiency Test scores 

Your application will be considered for admission to Northern State University only when the testing centre sends the test results to Northern State University. As a non-native English speaker on needs to demonstrate competence in the language through one of the following tests:

Type of the Test Minimum Score Required 
TOEFL IBT-61-70
IELTS 5.5
SAT 970
ACT 18

US Visa for International Students 

If admitted to Northern State University, the student has to submit the Declaration of Finances proving their financial ability to study in the college. They need to give a proof they have enough funds to cover their tuition fees in the university including personal and living expenses for one academic year involving accommodation, books, travel, etc. Financial certificate is requisite before the college can issue an I-20 form on the basis of which the student can obtain the F1 student Visa. After submitting the certificate, the college will review the document and if satisfied they will issue the I-20 form.

The following documents are required to apply for a student visa to the USA at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

  • Visa Application form
  • Copy of passport
  • Bank statement either from you and your sponsor
  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • I-20 form
  • Transcripts and ELP scores
  • Any other relevant document.

Northern State University Undergraduate Admission 

UG at North State University considers the previous academic excellence and programs are offered accordingly. The students have to submit their transcripts, standardized test scores to study in the US along with other documents. The admission requirements are as follows:

  • Application Portal: Online
  • Application Fees: USD 20 (non-refundable)

Students seeking degree in the university can be admitted by either of the following criteria:

  • Score an ACT score Composite - 18 or above
  • Have a high school GPA of at least 2.6 or 4.0
  • Rank in the top 60 percent of their high school graduating class
  • Official Transcripts: Evaluated high school transcripts/mark sheets are needed. Official transcripts are hard copies signed, stamped, and sealed by the last attended school. The student has to email official transcripts upon admission. The evaluation can be done from ECE or WES.
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Passport ID pages
  • Scores of SAT/ACT
  • Letters of Reference
  • Evidence of funds minimum for one year
  • Any other required document

Northern State University Graduate Admission 

PG at Northern State University requires a minimum GPA (grade point average) of 2.75 (82%) in the Bachelor's level degree to get admission to the master’s degree program. The other requirements are stated below:

  • Application portal: Online
  • Application Fee: 35 USD

Interested students must submit the following documents to the office of Graduate Studies:

  • Official transcript of all college or university credits
  • Letters of Recommendation: 2 letters which demonstrate the student’s potential for success in graduate study
  • Evidence of Finances
  • English language proficiency scores
    • TOEFL iBT - 79
    • IELTS - 6.0
  • Statement of Purpose
  • GRE/GMAT scores if required
  • Virtual interview scheduled by the university

Note: International students are required to buy a South Dakota Board of Regents medical insurance policy.

The popular graduate programs offered by the university along with their admission requirement are as follows:

Programs GPA/GMAT LOR/SOP Resume Interview
MEd Institutional Endorsement Elementary 2.75 (82%) in Bachelors Required Required Required
Master in Counseling 2.75 (82%) in Bachelors Required Required Required
MA in Accounting 2.75 (82%) in Bachelors Required Required Required
MS Sports performance and Leadership 2.75 (82%) in Bachelors Required Required Required
MSEd Educational studies 2.75 (82%) in Bachelors Required Required Required

The average class size at the university is small which helps students to get personalised learning experiences and teachers to engage with each student to help them achieve academic excellence. Having an acceptance rate of 85%, the international student is advised to apply as early as possible with ELP scores and official transcripts. A well prepared and complete application is the key to seek successful admissions.

FAQs

Q1. How much is the tuition fees in the NSU?

Ans. The tuition fee is around 12000 USD per year.

Q2. Is the ACT or SAT score important to get in Northern State University?

Ans. No, the applicant can be considered for admission in Northern State university on the basis of other test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Q3. Does the university offer residence halls to students?

Ans. Yes, it has two types of residence halls. One is traditional, where one or two students share space and another is suite-style halls in which two or four students live together. Both of these residence halls are equipped with basic and modern amenities.

Q4. How can international students get their admission queries solved?

Ans. If you have specific queries regarding the admission process or admission requirements, contact the NSU Admissions Office either via email or phone. Call at 1-800-678-5330 and email at admissions@ Northernn.edu

Q5. How does Northern State University help students find jobs?

Ans. It Provides skill-building workshops, ranging from resume building to job search skills, that prepare students for their professional careers. To let students gain professional experience and achieve academic objectives, it provides students with internships and job shadowing that allows students to work in their career field. It has active employment links for existing enrolled students and alumni.

Q6. Is there any difference between courses offered on campus and online?

Ans. While Northern State University is an on-campus college, it also offers online or distance education for those students who couldn’t attend on-campus. NSU offers some of the UG and PG courses via online including MBA. Students pursuing courses via online won’t be able to take advantage of internships and other career opportunities, they will get other career-related support from the college such as counselling.

Q7. How much one would be able to earn with a degree from NSU?

Ans. Northern State University provides career services to enrolled students at no extra cost. Students can get assistance with resume, cover, letter, assistance in writing personal statements, and interview skills. It has WolfWork, an online platform that provides employment resources (such as part-time local jobs, full time professional positions, internships) to students and alumni. It also encourages students to be involved in job-fairs and other career development activities in the college.